Why we need spiritual leadership more than ever

Work as we know it has been updated over the past years. We saw the great resignation as employees reevaluated their work-life balance. And currently, a new, even more dangerous phenomenon is just happening: quiet quitting. People stay at their jobs but are disengaged and unproductive. This can be even more harmful to companies than outright termination, as it can damage productivity and morale and lead to a decline in customer satisfaction. All the worse because productivity is also falling at its fastest rate in nearly five decades as the “return to office” battle between employees and employers reaches a fever pitch.

The fact is that people feel dissatisfied with the current structure of work and are longing for an occupation that gives them purpose, fulfillment, and opportunities to grow. All of these are aspects of spirituality. So, the time is ripe for companies and leaders to align spiritually.

Whatever spirituality means to each individual, its heart is always connection. And in the current challenging times, many people are, in fact, experiencing a loss of

connection. They lose contact with themselves, do not perceive their own feelings, find no space, or cannot adequately resolve their personal matters. They suffer from stress and bring it with them to the workplace. But stress puts a strain on the entire organism and makes it impossible to think clearly and act prudently.

It’s a difficult situation, offering a huge opportunity for spiritual leaders. If managers understand how to uncover and satisfy hidden needs, stress will disappear, and a productivity increase of 13 percent is possible. Employees start thinking about possibilities, which is also part of spirituality. The positive effects on customer discussions, on the execution of work, on teamwork, and ultimately on sales and profits are huge. A domino effect arises in which the pressure also eases for the leader, and more time and energy is left for his own quality of life.

But which needs can be distinguished? Studies have shown that people have four basic needs: influence and assertion, harmony and security, stability and order, and lightness and inspiration. Thus, it fulfills us to make a difference with our actions, to experience meaning and self-efficacy, and to move closer to our goals. We also strive for connection with others and belonging, thereby feeling love in different degrees. Reliability and security, in turn, form the basis for our personal growth and ensure we can develop in our environment without fear. Once this basic need is satisfied, we can devote ourselves to new things with joy and interest. We enthusiastically take part in innovative projects.

A spiritual leader’s fulfilling task is to sharpen awareness - of his own needs and those of the team members - and to compensate for grievances accordingly. Employees are centered and join work with energy and joy if there’s the right balance.

The Christmas Lunch at St. James’s Church Piccadilly in London shall serve as a project example beyond business, showing what wonderful results are possible when individual personalities and their needs work together optimally: Christmas Lunch in the nave is open to everyone - from tourists to the homeless. The preparations take a whole morning, yet numerous volunteers meet and happily sacrifice their free time.

The motivations of the helpers are extremely different. For some, the focus is on supporting the most vulnerable in society. Others find it incredibly fulfilling to be acknowledged for their cooking skills. The community with others to avoid loneliness during the Christmas season may be why others participate. And for me as a German, it was the desire to experience something new and to test my English for everyday use. The result: A diverse group that carried out the kitchen work efficiently and in good spirits brought a 3-course meal to the table for numerous hungry visitors. The kitchen coordinator gave the vision, equipment, and structure.

But doesn’t a leader also act like a chef preparing a menu daily? If spirituality – connection – is an ingredient of leadership, an environment is created where there’s no stress, and the staff can work committedly and productively. Lightness and determination arise and put an end to quiet quitting once and for all.